We had multiple ministries for our month in Nepal, but my heart felt most at home during our time in the slums. Slum ministry consisted of meeting new people, creating and building relationships, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to church. The slums were located right off the bus station of Pritibicho (spelling could be inaccurate), which was about a 30-45 mins walk to the bus station and then a 20 mins bus ride from where we were staying in Pokhara.
In a caste system, either regulated by government or human judgement, this area would be considered the lowest of low, yet I only saw beauty.
From the first day we entered Pritibicho, my soul felt alive.
You know the feeling you get when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be?
Peace and expectancy would be the best way for me to describe the feelings inside.
As we were following Nicea, a Nepali missionary and has been doing this ministry for 5 years, is serving our team as a translator (and now I call her a dear friend of mine), the first house caught my eye. There were three people sitting under their straw and bamboo structure that created a front porch with a blue tarp, and large black trash bags laid strategically on top to provide shade and protection from the hot sun and rain. I made eye contact with one of the women as I was bringing up the caboose when our team passed them….I was drawn in.
I continued to follow as the team turned to the house next door, and as they sat down, I followed my heart back to the people I was just drawn to….I introduced myself and got the pleasure to meet Mark, Betra and Binita (some names changed for privacy). Fortunately, Mark spoke some English and was able to translate to his mom and friend Binita. Through a few minutes of conversation they asked me if I was a Christian, I said yes.
I returned the question and it was super exciting to learn that Mark and his mom accepted Christ 5 years ago. I glanced over at Binita insinuating the ball being passed to her to answer, and she shook her head no as Mark verbalized she is not a Christian.
Something about Binita felt familiar, my spirit was drawn to her in a way you know it’s the Lord at work. I felt the Holy Spirit leading more questions out of my mouth as Mark and Binita led me around their neighborhood, showing me where Binita lays her head some nights, their friends place, the Ins and outs of their neighborhood, etc.
(Binita & me)
After a bit of wandering, we met back up with my team and Nicea took over translating, but by the time we actually got to sit down and talk to Binita, there were swarms of people around. Although my amazing and selfless teammate Nicole tried her hardest to distract all the kids with games and songs, word traveled quickly and we weren’t able to continue. Feelings of frustration followed my sense of urgency in the moment, but Nicea reassured me as she got Binita’s contact info and arranged for us to meet at some point the following day….
From spending just a couple hours with Binita, either from what she shared or what we observed, this is the info we concluded:
She’s 16 years old.
She dropped out of school 2 years ago.
She lost her dad to a disease a few years ago.
3 months later, her mom passed away.
Her biological brother is an alcoholic.
Her sister-in-law lets her sleep at her place when she needs.
She has no hopes, no dreams, no desires.
She lives day by day.
She feels alone.
She’s deeply sad.
She doesn’t feel like anyone cares about her.
Her heart is hardened by the world.
(Nicea, Binita, Grace & me)
The next morning, as I sat with the Lord at the breakfast table, my phone rang and Nicea said, “meet me at the Pritibicho station as soon as you can”….so I ditched breakfast, quickly changed and headed to the bus station where Nicea was there waiting. As we walked to the meeting location, Nicea and I prayed for Binita, and over each other. We arrived and a few minutes later, Binita came walking towards us with a friend. She didn’t want to come alone so she brought her BFF. Over lunch we talked as new friends would (well, kinda…via Nicea translating), we asked each other questions, and as I shared my testimony about how I, too, dropped out of school….twice, I could see the surprise in her facial expressions and body language as to indicate she could relate. I continued explaining how I didn’t really care about my life or the path I was choosing, and I felt like I had no hope.
There were times I was breathing, but felt dead inside.
But how because I heard about, believed and accepted Jesus Christ into my life, there was a new found hope and purpose for me.
Through telling my story, I was able to see, and share with her just how Jesus has redeemed my story and my life, and I believe He did it for her (and hopefully many others).
My story isn’t mine. Jesus had Binita in mind when I dropped out of school (yes, both times). Jesus had Binita in mind when I didn’t have hope. Jesus had Binita in mind when I thought my life was worthless. God knew that years later I would be sitting across the table from her, sharing this testimony that glorifies Him. He allowed me to choose a path He knew He would later redeem for this very purpose!!!
I am humbled beyond belief. I am privileged to be His vessel. He created a way for two girls without hope to see Him through my wreckage. What an incredible God we serve!
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The story continues….Part Two coming soon!
In Love,
ET Cate
